Getting to Know the Most Common Food Allergies

If you are lactose intolerant, you probably expect an upset stomach when eating milk or cheese. Wine may give you a headache, and beans cause gas.

These are all common reactions to foods. While this is true, they are not usually a sign of food intolerance or sensitivity. Your body’s immune system does not cause them.

Food allergies are different. With a food allergy, it means your body is mistaking harmless food for something that may make you ill. If you eat something you are allergic to, then your immune system will try to protect you. Some minor symptoms include itchy eyes or a rash, while more severe reactions result in you being unable to breathe. In fact, some food allergies are extremely serious, which is why you may hear someone ask, “are there nuts in this,” or is corn gluten free? The fact is, if they are allergic to these substances, the reaction they have has the possibility of being deadly.

With that in mind, now is a good time to continue reading and learn about some of the most common food allergies you may experience.

Common Foods That Result in a Food Allergy

Eight main things are responsible for approximately 90% of all food allergy-related reactions. These things include shellfish, milk, fish, wheat, eggs, soy, peanuts, soy, and tree nuts.

Keep in mind, though, that virtually any food can result in an allergy. Some of the less common foods that cause a food allergy include some spices, seeds, meat, gelatin, and corn.

Food Allergy Symptoms 

If you are allergic to a food you consume, you will likely see symptoms of a reaction within minutes of eating it. However, in other cases, it can occur several hours later.

Unfortunately, if your symptoms are mild, it can be hard to tie them to certain foods. Some of the symptoms you may experience include an itchy skin rash, itchy mouth, nose, or eyes, or a funny taste in your mouth. You may also experience hives, a dry cough, itching inside your ear, or an upset stomach. It’s important to think about what you ate at the time of the reaction to try and figure out what caused it.

Usually, shellfish, fish, nuts, and peanuts will result in more severe reactions. While this is true, it is something that can happen with any food you eat. Some of the symptoms of more severe reactions include issues swallowing or breathing, swollen throat or lips, feeling weak or confused, and chest pain. You may also pass out or feel light-headed, or have an uneven heartbeat.

Food Allergies in Young Children

Since many younger children may not know how to describe what is going on properly, they may say something like, their tongue feels heavy, or their mouth is tingling. Other signs of allergic reactions in kids include slurring their words or a squeaky voice.

Food Allergies Affect on Your Body

In some situations, the symptoms of a food allergy will impact your entire body. In these cases, they can be life-threatening. This reaction has an official name – anaphylaxis. When this occurs, it is considered a medical emergency. Usually, signs of this condition will be seen within just a few minutes after eating something. If you have asthma, along with a food allergy, it is more likely that you will experience anaphylaxis. If you know you have a severe food allergy, you must have injectable epinephrine with you at all times in case a reaction occurs. This will help reduce your symptoms until you receive medical attention.

When it comes to food allergies, there are more than a few factors to consider. You need to make sure you know what you are allergic to and stay away from these items as much as you can. Doing this can prevent the possibility of a serious reaction or of another issue occurring that may be more serious or life-threatening.